King James Version

What Does Romans 11:35 Mean?

Romans 11:35 in the King James Version says “Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?” — study this verse from Romans chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?”

Romans 11:35 · KJV

Context

33

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

34

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

35

Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

36

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. whom: Gr. him

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul cites Job 41:11 (LXX): Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? (ē tis proedōken autō, kai antapodothēsetai autō, ἢ τίς προέδωκεν αὐτῷ καὶ ἀνταποδοθήσεται αὐτῷ). The question targets human presumption of merit. No one has given first (proedōken, προέδωκεν) to God such that God owes recompense. Salvation is not a transaction where humans contribute, creating divine obligation. God is debtor to no one.

This reinforces grace theology: we contribute nothing to our salvation; it's pure gift. If we gave God anything first, His response would be repayment (debt), not grace. But since we gave nothing, His salvation is mercy. This destroys all boasting (3:27). Applied to Romans 9-11: neither Jew nor Gentile contributed to their salvation. God's mercy is sovereign, unearned, and magnificent. No one can claim God 'owes' them salvation based on ethnicity, works, or anything else.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Job 41:11 (in context) emphasizes God's absolute ownership and sovereignty. Paul applies this economically: God owns everything, owes nothing, gives freely. This was countercultural in both Jewish merit-theology and Greco-Roman patron-client systems where benefactors expected reciprocity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the truth that 'no one has given to God first' demolish all human pride and merit-based thinking?
  2. What attempts do people make to 'give to God first' in order to obligate Him to save them?
  3. How does this verse safeguard the doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
ἢ1 of 7

“Or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τίς2 of 7

“who”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

προέδωκεν3 of 7

“hath first given”

G4272

to give before the other party has given

αὐτῷ4 of 7

“to him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ5 of 7

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀνταποδοθήσεται6 of 7

“again”

G467

to requite (good or evil)

αὐτῷ7 of 7

“to him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 11:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 11:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 41:11Job 35:71 Corinthians 4:7

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